What Medical Assistants Can And Cannot do?
Jul 10, 2023
Medical assistants are relied on considerably by patients, other medical staff, and healthcare facilities in general. Without the help of these medical assistants, patient care would not be the same as it is now. As a medical assistant, you're responsible for a lot of duties, however, there are certain duties that you may or may not be able to do.
This depends on the state in which you choose to practice in, as well as the qualifications and training you have. This guide will explain exactly what medical assistants can and cannot do.
There are plenty of job opportunities in today's market for medical assistants. However, you may wonder what other jobs can medical assistants do?
Beyond their primary role, medical assistants have the potential to explore various career paths within the healthcare field. With additional training and specialization, they can pursue opportunities such as medical office manager, patient care coordinator, among others. Moreover, medical assistants in pediatrics can focus their expertise on providing care to infants, children, and adolescents, working alongside pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of young patients. This specialization allows them to develop a deep understanding of pediatric healthcare practices and create a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Table of Contents
- What is the role of a medical assistant?
- What can medical assistants do?
- What medical assistants cannot do?
- What are the daily responsibilities of a medical assistant?
- How to become a medical assistant
What is the role of a medical assistant?
Medical assistants are responsible for a wide range of tasks that help and assist both doctors and patients. There are a number of duties carried out by a medical assistant whether that be maintaining patient records, preparing examination rooms, or assisting with examinations.
Medical assistants must possess a diverse skill set that encompasses knowledge of medical office systems, procedures, and terminology. The skills of medical assistants extend beyond their administrative competencies, as they also excel in time management and effective communication. With their expertise, medical assistants ensure smooth operations in medical settings and establish seamless interactions with individuals they engage with on a daily basis
If this sounds like you, then a career as a medical assistant might be just the right move for you. The importance of medical assistants means you'll be in a stable and in-demand job market.
Places where medical assistants can work include many different environments from a doctor's office to private clinics and hospitals.
If you want to explore other career paths within the healthcare industry, you can consider comparing the roles of an EKG technician vs medical assistant. Both EKG technicians and medical assistants play important roles in patient care, but they have distinct responsibilities and areas of expertise.
What can medical assistants do?
What can medical assistants do and cannot do? This often depends on the state in which you choose to practice in. Each state varies in its laws and regulations surrounding medical assistant practices.
If you're looking to practice in Florida, then this guide will be helpful in understanding what you can do in this state as a medical assistant and what you won't be able to do. Let's look at what you can do first.
What medical assistants cannot do?
Again, what you can and cannot do as a medical assistant will vary greatly on which state you choose to study and practice in. It's important to know this because if a doctor were to ask you to do something outside of your medical assisting scope, then you'll be liable. However, a doctor assumes responsibility for anything a medical assistant does.
What are the daily responsibilities of a medical assistant?
The daily responsibilities of a medical assistant role will vary from day to day. The mix of clinical and administrative tasks shakes up the role and keeps it interesting. With that being said, here are a few medical assistant duties that you'll be doing on a daily basis.
Administrative duties
Clinical duties
- Welcoming patients to the facility
- Using computer applications and software
- Answering telephones
- Schedule appointments
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Handling correspondence, billing, and insurance claims
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Collecting and prepping laboratory specimens
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing and administering medications
How to become a medical assistant
- Earn your diploma or GED: This is the basic requirement for enrolling in a medical assistant program.
- Enroll in a medical assistant program: These programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and even some universities. There are certificate, diploma, and associate's degree options available.
- Gain experience (optional): While not always required, some programs may recommend or require an externship as part of the curriculum. Externships provide valuable hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
- Get certified: Certification is not mandatory in all states, but it is highly recommended by employers. There are a couple of certifications available: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). The most common path is the CMA offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
